14 
VEGETABLE ABSORPTION. 
because there would be difficulty in supposing that each individual leaf could convey 
a root-fibre through the trunk of a tall tree into the earth ; yet it is self-evident 
that, be the plant what it may, whether tree, shrub, or herb, its shoots must be con- 
nected with the conduits of the ascending sap ; and, therefore, as the body of the 
plant acquires bulk during the growth of the green parts, and new rootlets are 
coincidently developed, it must be equally reasonable and philosophical to believe 
that a system of absorbents is simultaneously produced, which vessels, if they do not 
individually reach the earth, are inosculated with others that receive the ascending 
sap, and diverge from the collar of the plant. The observation that " Spongioles are 
not distinct organs," must be claimed as an admission of the fact that they are recent 
processes, connected with Spring growth in all trees and shrubs ; and also with the 
early growth of herbaceous plants, when they revive from their condition of Winter 
torpor. With this view of their nature and functions, we arrive at something like a 
correct notion of what the Spongelets really are ; and hence may be able to select 
the proper seasons wherein to remove every kind of plant. A few positive facts will 
throw light upon, and confirm, the foregoing hypothesis. 
Some years since, two young walnut trees were bespoke of a nurseryman in the 
winter, as he had none by him at the season of autumnal planting. Nothing was 
heard of them till early March, when he was reminded of the circumstance ; then 
it appeared that the two trees had been obtained, but had been carelessly overlooked 
and entirely forgotten. They were found in a ditch, the roots uncovered, not merely 
deprived of rootlets and spongioles, but partially barked, and abraded by frost. The 
party made many apologies, and as he doubted the possibility of success, declared 
that he would charge nothing for the trees. The heads were fine, and well-formed, 
the boles erect, and it became desirable to carry out an experiment which might 
prove instructive. The utmost care was taken to open extensive holes, to labor, 
and comminute the earth. That was a deep, chalky loam, rather firm in texture, 
and to it no manure whatever was applied. The soil was prepared to suit the form 
of the skeleton roots, which were deposited at a proper depth, carefully placed, and 
filled up with fine soil, and the stems staked and secured. Water was given, to 
puddle-in the soil, and the holes being filled, grass sods of the orchard were returned, 
and made firm. The Walnut is a late tree at all times ; and thus, at any period of 
March, after a sharp and snowy winter, these trees, of necessity, were torpid. As 
Spring advanced (it was in 1831) the buds began to enlarge, the season became very 
favourable, showery and warm ; and, strange as it may appear, both trees adapted 
themselves to the soil, developed their buds perfectly, and produced young shoots 
without the least appearance of debility. They continued to progress from year 
to year, have borne at least six crops of fruit, and are now large trees of admirable 
figure. Thus, without any vestige of spongioles, two trees in a then hopeless 
condition were planted, and have subsequently flourished, without (apparently) 
the loss of a month. 
Another conclusive experiment may be adduced. It had been stated that moss- 
